Episode 97.
It was a good thing that most people in the cafe didn’t understand her because she spoke English. However, Jung Si-woo understood exactly what she said and struggled to interpret what she meant.
“…Ha.”
The only thing that came out at the end was a sigh.
“I thought about it for a long time, then decided to ask you. I hope you don’t laugh at me.”
“No, I’m not laughing; I’m just…okay, let’s just hear what you have to say.”
They looked for an empty seat. The guests emptied the best spot in the center of the café. While the eyes coming from all sides were very annoying, it wasn’t important because most of them wouldn’t even understand their conversation.
“So, how did you come up with that idea? And what do you mean by you want to serve me? I don’t have a guild in the first place. You’re the one who has a guild.”
“I used to.”
Seria Wilson was quite calm, different from her first encounter. Her work at the Grand Canyon had completely changed her, whether for better or worse.
“I’ve got rid of the guild. Since we lost the key members, we decided that it would be dangerous to keep going. And…I don’t have the will to lead the guild anymore. Because I failed.”
“…”
Her failure was too disastrous to tell her not to give up. He couldn’t thoughtlessly comfort her, so Jung Si-woo decided to listen calmly.
“They could do well in other guilds…and I don’t have to be obsessed with guilds.”
“You got rid of your guild. But why did you end up coming to me?”
“You told me to pay for what I did. Since then, I have thought about what I can do and have made some conclusions, but now I can’t trust my judgment.”
Her eyes, with indelible traces of failure, faced Jung Si-woo.
“That’s why I’m here to give you that judgment.”
“She’s the worst.”
“The worst. Please just go back to America.”
Although Jung Si-woo grieved and Soo Ah-rin came out of his arms to respond firmly, Seria Wilson didn’t back down.
“You’re the one I can trust the most at this point. Marina Bissett believes in you…so let me serve you.”
“I’m not sure about my judgment either, so why are you trying to put your load on my shoulders? Ah-rin is right. You should go back to America.”
“Don’t judge too quickly. I don’t want to burden you, so I want you to take it a little lighter.”
If she had led a guild, she would know how ridiculous what she just said was. When Jung Si-woo narrowed his eyes, Seria Wilson shook her hands awkwardly.
“You don’t have to take responsibility for me because I’m just serving you. You can think of me as a servant that serves whatever you want. As long as you leave it to me, I’ll follow whatever you say…”
Seria Wilson, 25-years-old and single, blushed. Her voice got a little smaller.
“But I’m not ready for…sexual demands yet, but.”
“What’s she talking about?”
“She wants to go back to America. So let’s just send her back?”
Jung Si-woo had no thoughts, but it was a little disgusting that she imagined things alone in her head. However, when Jung Si-woo and Soo Ah-rin looked at her with sour eyes, Yong Se-ha unexpectedly stepped in.
“Hyeong-nim, I don’t think you have to reject her. Seria Wilson is one of the most powerful people in the world. Of course, she has a great position as the head of the Emperor’s Guild, but her strength is also great.”
Moreover, she was greatly enhanced in the process of robbing Louisos with the help of Jung Si-woo from the Grand Canyon. And thanks to that…
“We’ve come to have a hostile stance against not only Louisos but also against all other gods. At least for the time being, I think she’s a reliable person who won’t go against you.”
“You…”
She didn’t know the details because she didn’t understand Korean, but when Yong Se-ha seemed to take her side, Seria Wilson’s face brightened up. However, Jung Si-woo’s expression was still not clear.
“You can’t be my supporter, so you can’t accompany me in the Ant Cave.”
“It’s not bad to have a sky castle player, Hyeong-nim.”
“Wilson said she couldn’t judge by herself, but it’s also her decision to serve you. So I don’t think you need to feel responsible for this woman. Isn’t it your usual opinion that we should take responsibility for ourselves? So why don’t you just think about that and take it easy as she says?”
“You…”
Jung Si-woo was defeated by Yong Se-ha’s strong determination. To be honest, he was just too lazy to be deeply involved with people anymore, but if Yong Se-ha said so…
“Okay, Seria Wilson, I’ll take you in. Maybe there won’t be anything good that’ll happen.”
“Oppa?”
“Whoo…from now on, you can call me Seria.
“Hyeong-nim.”
When Jung Si-woo nodded, Soo Ah-rin puffed up her cheeks, Seria smiled with relief, and Yong Se-ha was thrilled. Jung Si-woo looked at it and thought this was all as expected.
‘This guy, he must like Seria. I guess the first time we met, she looked really mean, but now she looks like a pretty French doll. I’m sure you were interested in Marina Bissett at first.’
It was a misunderstanding. Yong Se-ha just wanted Jung Si-woo to have more people and more influence. However, Jung Si-woo misunderstood his desire in a completely different direction.
“I’ll root for you, Se-ha. Don’t worry.”
“What? …Yes, thank you! I’ll trust and follow you, Hyeong-nim!”
Yong Se-ha tilted his head, not knowing what he meant, but soon he nodded. He thought that it meant that he was going to be promoted to the second commander. Since Soo Ah-rin would end up being Jung Si-woo’s wife, Yong Se-ha concluded that it was his rightful position to become the second commander. However, Seria, who didn’t understand Korean, was just happy to hear that he accepted her, and only Soo Ah-rin looked at Yong Se-ha and Jung Si-woo alternatively with the thought that something was strange.
“Then I have to tell you something.”
As soon as Jung Si-woo accepted Seria, her tone became polite. She spoke calmly, and Jung Si-woo could feel goosebumps rising on his forearms.
“After Mr. Si-woo left…”
“Huh.”
“What’s the matter, Mr. Si-woo?”
“I want you to speak more comfortably. I don’t mind talking informally.”
“Whoa, you want me to speak informally.”
If she spoke Korean and not English, she would’ve already been humiliated. However, she ignored Jung Si-woo’s earnest request. She must’ve taken it as a joke.
“Since Mr. Si-woo left, I’ve been focusing on other things besides getting rid of the guild.”
“She’s not listening to me already…”
“It’s about correcting the perception of god that’s prevalent among players right now.”
Jung Si-woo’s ears were ringing. What the hell? She said that she couldn’t make her own decisions. But she was already moving very aggressively…?
“With the help of Marina Bissett, we are spreading negative perceptions of god’s power to other players. But more importantly, it’s the danger of believing in god all over the world. Not only the players but also the average person, they have the potential to have faith.”
“Yes, then…ah. The World Players Representatives Conference?”
“That’s correct.”
Seria nodded.
“I’m going to announce it there. I am not a representative of the United States, but I was invited by a UN insider to attend as a special committee member.”
“Wait, so the reason I was invited was because of you?”
“That’s right.”
Seria patted her chest proudly. There was a little vibration. Unlike Marina, Jung Si-woo decided to bury such feelings only in his heart as words continued.
“I will reveal the distorted side of god with my presence. I would like to ask Mr. Si-woo to prove that moment. My story will be more persuasive just by being next to Mr. Si-woo…oh, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you beforehand. Originally, I wanted to visit you first, but I had some…”
“No, that’s fine. I’ll cooperate with you. I think you’ve done a good job of organizing things.”
He laughed bitterly and emptied his coffee.
“All I wanted to say was…you’re already making good decisions by yourself. Couldn’t we just had a partnership rather than you having to serve me?”
“No, I can move like this because I had you, who is hostile to all the gods. You gave me directions on that day.”
Seria, who had no hesitation, now flinched a little.
“But since then, I didn’t know how to act on my own and eventually came here. I’ve moved to take something or to push someone away, but I’ve never moved to protect someone.”
“…Yes, you said it well. I understand what you mean.”
That felt a little better. The stance to be taken at the representative meeting had also become clearer. All that was left was to attend on time.
“How many days are left?”
“Five days. I heard you don’t have wings, so I prepared an airplane for you.”
She was pretty competent!?
“I’ll be by your side until then. I’m not proud of it, but unlike Marina, I’m a commoner. So I’m confident in doing chores.”
“Huh? Ah…”
Come to think of it, Seria and the others didn’t know about the resting place yet. Jung Si-woo shook his head with a bitter smile.
“I’m so sorry, but you can’t enter with us. It’s because of my characteristics as an underground player. I’m sorry.”
“Oh…I see. Then I can’t do anything about that. I’m sorry I can’t serve you…”
Seria was very blatantly discouraged, but when he was looking at her, he suddenly had an idea. A person in a similar situation came to mind.
“There’s one more person who can testify at the UN conference.”
“Who is that?”
“Lee Seo-hee, my acquaintance.”
Thinking it was fun for Seria to have her ears prick up, Jung Si-woo named his ex-girlfriend he saw at the previous meeting. Seria nodded her head with a bright look.
“Lee Seo-hee. I know her. I saw the representative meeting of Korean players. And…Marina said that she is an eye-catching player these days.”
“That’s right. I’d like to have her attend the representative meeting. And personally, I want to help you grow, but it’s impossible because I’m an underground player. Can I ask you a favor?”
“It’s very frustrating to face Marina again, but…this is your first order.”
Seria jumped out of her seat.
“I will follow your order. Thank you for trusting me.”
“Yes, please.”
It may have been a good choice to accept her. Jung Si-woo stood up, following her, and patted Seria on the shoulder for no reason. He wondered if he was too close, but the next moment, Seria’s expression brightened.
“Well, I want to ask you something.”
“Huh?”
As if encouraged by his friendly attitude, Seria asked with her eyes closed. But the question was a little off the mark.
“Marina and you…are you sure you’re not in a relationship?”
“No, she’s a partner. But she’s basically just a friend.”
“As expected!”
What a dazzling smile. Was she relieved that her competitor was still single? Seria nodded her head with a bright smile.
“I knew it. That tactless woman can’t get Mr. Si-woo…well, I see. I see. I’ll be back…hehe.”
Seria left the cafe like the wind. All the eyes at the cafe were on Jung Si-woo, but he ignored it and stood up.
“Marina, I think you’re going to be teased a lot…”
“She deserves it.”
“Seria Wilson, I’m glad she’s a woman of action.”
“Are you that happy? All right, wait a minute.”
“Yes…? Oh, yes…hm?”
Countless people misunderstood the situation, but Jung Si-woo headed back to the resting place to train his five senses skills. There was enough time left in the next five days before the World Player Representative Conference was held.
